Category Archives: data

Mobile Internet connectivity is playing an ever-increasing role of importance to consumers all over the world. But there is one thing that could do with some fine tuning, and that is having additional ways to use a data bundle across multiple devices. T-Mobile is working on a brand new feature that will let users do exactly that, although it will require the usage of additional SIM cards.

Spreading T-Mobile Data Plans Across Devices

For many consumers, it would make a lot more sense if they could spread their mobile data plan across all the devices they own. Based on the mobile device being used, it is already possible to set up a hotspot over 3G or 4G, with a few taps on the screen. But a more convenient solution has to be created, and T-Mobile is working on something along those lines.

By creating a new service to share data bundles across smartphones, tablets, and laptops, T-Mobile is giving consumers what they want. However, this new service is not without caveats, as users will need to obtain additional SIM cards to make use of this new tool. As a result, all of the devices will need to support SIM cards. Otherwise, the data plan will not be recognized.

Furthermore, using this new feature will be subject to a one-time fee of EUR 14,99, and depending on which subscription consumers have, additional fees might be applicable. Such a hefty price begs the question whether or not this is more convenient compared to turning a smartphone into a mobile hotspot. Doing so removes the need for SIM card support on the other devices, as they can just connect to the newly created WiFi network.

However, there are certain types of projects that can benefit from this concept by T-Mobile. Now that the Internet of Things is gaining a lot more momentum, it becomes more important to connect as many devices to the Internet as possible. SIM Cards sharing the same data plan seems to be a great move in that regard, depending on how much data is being used in the end.

What makes this concept even more interesting for the Internet of Things and other projects, is how the SIM cards will have SMS capabilities. This will allow for real-time communication with the project owner and its users, assuming there would be a need for such a service. Whether or not many people will make use of the new T-Mobile service, remains to be seen.

Interesting News For Bitcoin Users, Sort Of

One resource the Bitcoin ecosystem has no shortage of is brilliant developers. This new feature by T-Mobile could be of use for various Bitcoin projects, such as price alerts, transaction confirmations, or other things. Using the mobile data to run a Bitcoin Node will not work, though, as those projects require a lot more bandwidth.

More devices capable of connecting to the Internet through one and the same plan could be quite beneficial to Bitcoin adoption in the long run. Many consumers are faced with excess mobile data every month, and being able to spread it across devices is a smart move by T-Mobile.

What are your thoughts on this decision by T-Mobile? Is it necessary to share mobile data with multiple SIM cards? Let us know in the comments below!

Even though plenty of consumers are looking forward to using new and innovative mobile payment solutions, there are still a lot of security issues that need to be addressed. A recent study conducted by Ponemon Institute shows how mobile transactions lack proper security measures to keep payment data safe. As a result, there is a huge lack of confidence by both consumers and businesses. Bitcoin, on the other hand, has no issues securing mobile payments and is available for consumers all over the world.

Data Breaches Affect Mobile Payment Sector

Based on the information provided by the global study by Ponemon Institute, close to half of the people surveyed admitted their company suffered from a breach. As one would come to expect, hackers have been attempting to exploit various types of payment information in the hopes of finding the honeypot.

But what makes this report of particular worry is how most of the companies affected by these breaches have been targeted by hackers at least four times in the past two years. This is not a positive trend by any means, especially when considering how mobile payments are gaining more momentum all over the world.

If that wasn’t enough to make some people’s blood boil, over half of the companies surveyed admitted they have no idea where the payment data is stored in the first place. As is the case with any form of payment that relies on traditional finance, information goes through several “hands”, and it is hard to figure out who owns what part of the information at any given time.

With new mobile payment solutions on the horizon, these security issues will need to be addressed sooner or later. Preferably sooner, as consumers are becoming more wary of which companies they put their trust in, especially where financial details are concerned. If companies have no clue where the data ends up, or how it is being used by any of their partners, consumers are more likely to look for alternative solutions.

Mobile payments are an important aspect of everyday life for a lot of consumers. However, if their payment information would be leaked somehow, the mobile payment trend will start to drop off again, until proper security measures are put in place. Whether or not these up-and-coming solutions can provide that level of security, remains to be seen, though.

Bitcoin is Far More Secure And Available On Mobile

Unlike all of these new mobile payment solutions, Bitcoin has proven to be a far more secure solution for many years now. As the end user is put in full financial control at all times, and with there not being a link to bank accounts or credit cards, no sensitive information is passed along with every transaction.

Furthermore, Bitcoin is not subject to fraud or chargebacks, making it a preferably solution for businesses all over the world. With Bitcoin’s global appeal, it is the only form of mobile payment that offers security and convenience at the same time. As far as protecting financial data goes, there is no match for Bitcoin in the mobile world to this day.

What are your thoughts on the results of this study by Ponemon Institute/ What can companies to do secure mobile payments? Let us know in the comments below!